La Paz County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of La Paz County, excluding the Town of Parker, the Town of Quartzsite, and tribal lands (Colorado River Indian Tribes reservation).

Department

La Paz County Community Development - GIS, Building and Safety Department

Address

1112 Joshua Ave., Ste. 202, Parker, AZ 85344

Phone

(928) 669-6138

Email

comdev@lapaz.gov

Website

https://www.lapaz.gov/589/BUILDING-SAFETY-PERMITS

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the building permit application and relevant checklists from the county website.
2. Prepare a complete application with site plan and building plans for most projects.
3. Include contractor information if applicable, and supporting approvals (septic, water/wastewater, floodplain, grading/drainage, utility plans, soils reports, structural reports) as triggered by the project.
4. Submit all materials to La Paz County Community Development.
5. County staff reviews completeness and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
6. Pay permit fees after approval.
7. Post the permit on-site and ensure the site remains accessible for inspections.
8. Request inspections for each required phase at least 24 hours in advance.
9. Complete all required inspections; Building Inspector may issue a stop-work order if construction departs from approved plans.

Typical processing time: Processing times vary by project type; applicants should contact the Building and Safety Department for specific timelines.

Source: La Paz County Community Development - GIS, Building and Safety Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated La Paz County. Demolition permits, grading permits (under 2018 IBC Appendix J unless exempt), and placement permits for manufactured homes, park models, containers, and RVs are also required.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Site plan and building plans
• Contractor information (if applicable)
• Septic or water/wastewater documentation (if applicable)
• Floodplain materials (if applicable)
• Grading and drainage plans (if triggered)
• Utility plans (if applicable)
• Soils reports (if required)
• Structural reports (if required)

Building code

2018 IRC, IBC, IPC, IMC, IFC, IFGC, IPMC, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, International Existing Building Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based fees per county fee schedule (LPC_Fee Schedule_2024.pdf).

Reinspection fee

Additional reinspection, after-hours inspection, weekend inspection, and plan review fees apply per the county fee schedule.

Payment note

Manufactured-home placement permit fee increased from $650 to $700 effective August 5, 2025.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Certain low sidewalks and driveways
• Painting and papering
• Tiling and cabinet/countertop installation
• Temporary stage sets
• Certain shade cloth structures
• Certain window awnings

Important: Permit exemptions do not authorize violations of other laws or ordinances. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Safety Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (928) 669-6138 (phone)
• comdev@lapaz.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests should be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 IRC, IBC, IPC, IMC, IFC, IFGC, IPMC, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, International Existing Building Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code.
• Verify contractor license: Arizona Registrar of Contractors License Search
• Building Application (2025)
• General Building Permit Checklist
• Grading and Drainage Materials
• Building Plan Checklists
• License lookup guide: Arizona Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arizona Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arizona hub: Arizona Contractor License & Permit Hub